Open positions in the Qiu lab


  • The Qiu lab at the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management at the Pennsylvania State University is always seeking motivated postdoc scholars, graduate students, visiting scholars, and undergraduate students. We work on a extensive range of projects that span various scales from individuals to the entire globe, and different ecosystems, such as forests, grasslands, and agricultural lands. We used ecological monitoring network (e.g., NEON, MASTIF, FIA, CFI, and build new plots), drone and airborne data (i.e., LiDAR, hyperspectral, multispectral), terrestrial laser scanning (i.e., Riegl VZ600i), and satellite remote sensing (e.g., Landsat, Sentinel-2, ECOSTRESS, GEDI, MODIS, Planet-scope) to answer our research questions. Prospective students can visit our research page and lab member for details. Members in our lab will have opportunities to work with other researchers at Penn State, including but not limited to Plant Science, Geography, Geoscience, Computing and Data Science, etc. University-wide resources (e.g., computing cluster, Shale Hills CZO with Phenocam and Flux tower, and the Stone Valley Experiment Forest with long-term plots) are also available to lab members.

  • Postdoctoral scholar position:
    • We always seek applicants with strong quantitative backgrounds in both remote sensing and ecological modeling. If you are interested in joining our lab, please email tvq5043@psu.edu a copy of your resume or CV and an outline of your background and interests. We will be in touch if we have a suitable project for you. Below are some additional funding resources if you want to develop your own research projects:
      • NSF Postdoctoral Fellowship: Please send me your research outline and we can schedule a meeting to develop a proposal. I am committed to providing guidance, support, and constructive feedback to help your develop a strong application.
      • NASA Postdoctoral Fellowship: Some research opportunities are limited to U.S. citizens only, so please pay attention to the citizenship requirements. Yoiu can select by NASA centers and research areas (e.g., Biological Sciences, Earth Science).
      • Marie Curie International Research Fellowships: MSCA are part of the European Commission’s Horizon Europe program. These fellowships are designed to support researchers at all stages of their careers. I can provide necessary facilities (computing, field sites) to support your research projects. Please contact me with your research outline.
      • Postdoc Fellowship in some universities and research institutes: There are some university and research insitutes (e.g., Fudan University) that provide prestigious postdoc fellowships. Please contact me if you plan to choose our lab as your host institute.

  • Ph.D. Student position (recruiting for fall 2024):
    • We are looking for talented and highly motivated students who are expected to work on the following broad themes:
      • Quantifying effects of climate warming and remotely sensed habitat change on biodiversity change
      • Understanding forest regeneration based on seed production and seedling recruits
      • Model vegetation dynamics and their response to climate change and disturbance across different spatial and temporal scales
      • Developing data science approaches to process geospatial and ecological big data
    • Quantifications: Strong quantitative and data science skills are required. Bachelor’s or master’s degree in remote sensing, ecology, engineering, environmental science, geoscience, or earth science is highly preferred. Proficiency in oral/written English is desired. Selecting an Ph.D. adviser that suits your interests is key to the success of your graduate school. Prospective students are thus encouraged to contact Dr. Tong Qiu (tvq5043@psu.edu) to discuss potential projects before their applications. Please include your CV that describes your interests and qualifications that are relevant to the lab’s research theme. Please use the subject line: application for Ph.D.. Qualified applications will be reviewed upon receiving.
    • To apply: Application instructions for the graduate program at Ecosystem Science and Management can be found at https://ecosystems.psu.edu/graduate/apply. The due date is Jan 4th (to be considered for departmental assistantship and university fellowships). For Intercollege Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, instructions can be found at https://www.huck.psu.edu/graduate-programs/ecology. The due date is December 1st. Apply portal and minimum requirements for both programs can be found at https://gradschool.psu.edu/graduate-admissions/how-to-apply/. International students should also meet the minimum requirement of TOEFL or IELTS.

  • Visiting scholars:
    • We also welcome visiting scholars/scientists/students who may wish to visit the Pennsylvania State University for extended periods of time (one year or two years) for conducting research in the Qiu lab, collborating with university faculties on different projects. We will provide office space, computing facilities, field supply, and many other resources. Please email tvq5043@psu.edu a copy of your resume or CV and your research outline.

  • Undergraduate Researchers:
    • We also welcome undergraduate students interested in possible research projects. Undergraduate students will work as paid research assistant/technician. If you are interested in flying drones, conducting field work, collecting data with terrestrial laser scanner, please email tvq5043@psu.edu a copy of your resume or CV. Below are some additional funding resources:
      • College of Ag Sciences Undergraduate Research Award: Students enrolled full-time in the College of Agricultural Sciences are encouraged to apply for the academic year award and summer award. I am more than happy to serve as your research project supervisor.
      • Erickson Discovery Grant: One way to continue to build your research skills is to apply for the Erickson Discovery Grant to fund an independent project of your own choosing and then present a poster of your work. The Erickson Discovery Grant is designed to provide summer funding to start, continue, or finish an independent project.
      • Student Engagement Network: The Student Engagement Network offers this unique funding opportunity for students which supports the breadth of student engagement experiences in the spirit of both in-person and virtual/remote engagement experiences. Undergraduate students across the commonwealth are encouraged to apply for an SEN Grant that will support virtual, remote, and/or in-person engagement opportunities in the coming academic year.